Getting A New Car! =)

[Zot09]

So I am pretty sure that I will be getting a new car once I go back home for winter break(this December). My price limit is $35k and I have narrowed down my choices to two cars: The 2007 Acura TSX w/ Navigation(I have an 06 without nav, and I love it, but I would love to have the nav in it)(31k) and the 2007 Lexus IS250 with Premium Package and Adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights or Sport Package(35k). If you could choose any one of these two, which would you get? Neither? Then what would you buy? I am looking for a nice comfortable car(sedan), due to the long commute I would have going back home or going back to school(6-7 hour drive without traffic), with great safety and reliability. I plan on keeping this new car for a long time(10 years).

Unfortunately the 3-series is out of question. I would consider it if I could still find a 2006 325i on the lot, but not the 2007 328i. Because BMW raised the price of the car by $1900, that automatically limits the options I could get on it. A 6MT 328i with ZSP, and Adaptive Bi-Xenons is already 36k :( Add in power seats w/ memory and an automatic transmission(which I want because of the commute and horrid So. Cal traffic) the car comes out to 38k. :(

[davide]

I'd go with the Lexus, just for it's styling. Looks good and rides pretty well too I think.
Ever thought of Audi A4?

And if you are planning to keep the car for a long time I would def go for the lexus, they have an excellent services from what I've heard and almost never break down. Great build quality...!

[novass]

Question; since you have a 2006 TSX without nav but want a 2007 with nav, why dont you just get nav installed on your 2006 and save 30 grand?

2006 is pretty new, why are you getting rid of it? Im not saying you shouldnt, just asking why you want too.

Personally, niether of those cars do much for me so I wouldnt look at either one. What about an Audi? :wink:

[Zot09]

Question; since you have a 2006 TSX without nav but want a 2007 with nav, why dont you just get nav installed on your 2006 and save 30 grand?

2006 is pretty new, why are you getting rid of it? Im not saying you shouldnt, just asking why you want too.

Personally, niether of those cars do much for me so I wouldnt look at either one. What about an Audi? :wink:

The 06 is probably going to go to my younger cousin, so that is why I am getting another ride.

As for the Audi, I really do like the B7 A4's styling, I'm just worried about its reliability.

[TopGearNL]

I would look at some German cars first, as said by others :D

[ae86_16v]

For some reason, I find spending $35k on a TSX is a bit ridiculous. I don't know, I understand entry level luxury, but that price seem waaay too inflated for a 4 Cylinder car.

I personally per German cars, but nevertheless, I have to hand it to Lexus for making a good package car. Especially when it comes to luxury, the IS is right up there. Sporting wise, it will be hard to beat the 3 Series, but since that is a bit out of your range, the IS is close.

Of course, I would take the A4 2.0T over the IS. But given that personally I own an A4 and girlfriend own a IS300 (last generation), reliability wise, I must give to Lexus. But overall package wise, I would still take the A4 over the IS.

[novass]

Question; since you have a 2006 TSX without nav but want a 2007 with nav, why dont you just get nav installed on your 2006 and save 30 grand?

2006 is pretty new, why are you getting rid of it? Im not saying you shouldnt, just asking why you want too.

Personally, niether of those cars do much for me so I wouldnt look at either one. What about an Audi? :wink:

The 06 is probably going to go to my younger cousin, so that is why I am getting another ride.

As for the Audi, I really do like the B7 A4's styling, I'm just worried about its reliability.

Gotcha. My Audi has been pretty good reliability wise, but there have been some problems. I know the drive you do from Irvine to Monterey as I have done LA to Monterey a few times and thats about 45 min shorter than you, so I know you want a car that you can just jump in and go.

I would say test drive a bunch of cars that you like and see what fits you best.

[vexor]

MazdaSpeed 6 (MPS) ? considerd that?

my parents just bought a Mazda 6 Sprot wagon GT last month and i've been driving it once in a while and it feels very good. plenty of power, smooth ride, and spacious even for a 6'4" guy like me.

Plus Jezza likes it (apart from the nose) so even the "pros" say it's good.

[Neema702]

i think the IS250 is the best choice. i have the B7 A4 and i love it, but the reliability is embarrassing. I'm actually planning on getting a Lexus for my next car. I've had a ES300 and a RX300 and they both worked perfectly for me. Obviously ur losing a little bit of sport with lexus, but it makes up for it, and all around i think its ur best choice.

i know its out of the question, but from one car lover to another, i freaking love the new 335i. the new 328i IS the 330i, fucking BMW, anything for profit.

[spanky]

Of those two i'd go the lexus...

[Skaala]

Ever thought of Audi A4?

:good:

Im with davide here :D

[Chaos in 1983!]

I would go with the Lexus...i like i's sporty look, and it will be reliable for sure since after all it's a toyota...

[nthfinity]

huh, wha?

35,000$?

Id get a 2004 C5 Z06, and put nav on board ... and still have at least 5,000$ left over

but thats just me :mrgreen: I'm a serious sporting kind of guy

neither the Lexus, nor the Acura do much for me :|

I know i'm not helping you, sorry

[Zot09]

Thanks for all the help guys. Keep your opinions coming!

As for the Audi, I really do like the B7. Especially with the S-line package in black. :drool: Even though a few of you are trying to sway me on the reliability of it, I am still a bit skeptical. I'll consider it, and will deffinitly go test drive it once I am back home, but in terms of the Audi vs. Lexus vs. Acura, the Audi is on the bottom of my list for now.

There is a new 2006 6MT 325i with ZSP, ZPP, and Adaptive Bi-Xenons at Stevens Creek BMW in Santa Clara, so I hope that the car is still there when I get back home so I can check it out. Any Nor-Cal member want to check it out for me? hahaha j/k

I would go for a E46 330d - great engine, good performance, and low fuel consumption... ask TransAm, he's just bought one! :wink:

If I had to chose between the two you've suggested - I would go for the Lexus... love the styling, and with the SPort Package - big wheels I asume - should be nice! :D

A diesal would be pretty interesting, but unfortunately they are not readily available in California. Even if they were, I'm not sure if I would purchase one. Sure the torque and mpg are nice, but I don't like the low redline

:(


I would look at some German cars first, as said by others :D

I would love to have a German, they have something about them that just separates them from other cars on the road.


Audi is reliable, otherwise they wouldn't sell so many cars in europe...

I've heard a few different things about Audi, but you do make a good point.


For some reason, I find spending $35k on a TSX is a bit ridiculous. I don't know, I understand entry level luxury, but that price seem waaay too inflated for a 4 Cylinder car.

I personally per German cars, but nevertheless, I have to hand it to Lexus for making a good package car. Especially when it comes to luxury, the IS is right up there. Sporting wise, it will be hard to beat the 3 Series, but since that is a bit out of your range, the IS is close.

Of course, I would take the A4 2.0T over the IS. But given that personally I own an A4 and girlfriend own a IS300 (last generation), reliability wise, I must give to Lexus. But overall package wise, I would still take the A4 over the IS.

If the TSX were $35k, it would deffinitly be ridiculous, but it's actually $30.5k w/ Nav. A lot of people do have the same complaint as you in terms of the 4-cylinder engine, but it does pack the same punch as the IS250 which has a 2.5 V6. But it wouldn't hurt if it did have a V6.

As for the IS250, I was pleasently surprised as well when I test drove it. It is a huge upgrade from the IS300 that my friend has. The drive is so much more comfortable, while keeping a lot of the sportiness that the IS300 had(it's still nowhere near as sport as the 3-series though). In terms of a comparison between the 325i and IS250 I test drove, I found that the IS was much more comfortable, and it had a more upscale interior, but the 3-series just kicked it's butt in everything else.



Gotcha. My Audi has been pretty good reliability wise, but there have been some problems. I know the drive you do from Irvine to Monterey as I have done LA to Monterey a few times and thats about 45 min shorter than you, so I know you want a car that you can just jump in and go.

I would say test drive a bunch of cars that you like and see what fits you best.

Good to know that you Audi has been pretty good reliability wise, you guys are starting to sway me a bit on the Audi.

Deffinitly, I already test drove a lot over the summer, but I will do it's once more in December before I choose a car.


MazdaSpeed 6 (MPS) ? considerd that?

my parents just bought a Mazda 6 Sprot wagon GT last month and i've been driving it once in a while and it feels very good. plenty of power, smooth ride, and spacious even for a 6'4" guy like me.

Plus Jezza likes it (apart from the nose) so even the "pros" say it's good.

The MazdaSpeed 6 would be pretty rad, but I am not the biggest fan of the styling. But the Mazda 6 deffinitly is not bad at all. Thanks for the recomondation though, this is what I'm looking for. :D


i think the IS250 is the best choice. i have the B7 A4 and i love it, but the reliability is embarrassing. I'm actually planning on getting a Lexus for my next car. I've had a ES300 and a RX300 and they both worked perfectly for me. Obviously ur losing a little bit of sport with lexus, but it makes up for it, and all around i think its ur best choice.

i know its out of the question, but from one car lover to another, i freaking love the new 335i. the new 328i IS the 330i, fucking BMW, anything for profit.

Recently I have been thinking the same thing with the Lexus. I love the styling, and the ventilated seats! :drool: It's kind of like my Mom's S-class in terms of luxury, just smaller. Good to hear that you had a good experience with your Lexus's.

As for the 3-series, I'll push for it, but I'm not sure if it will happen. I can hope.


Of those two i'd go the lexus...

Thanks for the input! :)


I wouldnt worry about the reliabilty of tha Audi, but you have to like the car if you are buying a new one...

Oh yeah, I love the A4, I'm just worried about the reliability. But you guys are starting to sway me in terms of it's reliability.


:good:

Im with davide here :D

Thanks!


I would go with the Lexus...i like i's sporty look, and it will be reliable for sure since after all it's a toyota...

That is exactly what I was thinking. I haven't heard anything bad at all in terms of Lexus's overall reliability.


huh, wha?

35,000$?

Id get a 2004 C5 Z06, and put nav on board ... and still have at least 5,000$ left over

but thats just me :mrgreen: I'm a serious sporting kind of guy

neither the Lexus, nor the Acura do much for me :|

I know i'm not helping you, sorry

Hahaha I was waiting for you to say something like that Nth! lol! :lol: It would be pretty cool owning a Corvette, it's one of the few American cars I actually give respect to, but its power would give me too many speeding tickets hahaha It would be nice having a sports car, but there wouldn't be enough space for me to carry around my stuff when going back and forth from home to school, or when moving to a new apartment in Irvine. If space or comfort weren't a problem, I would deffinitly consider the Z06, or a S2K :D Thanks anyways Nth!



Thanks again everyone!

[e46drew]

it sounds like in your financhel position reliability isn't all that nessary :wink: , but still with out sbjecting your self to a car with out a warranty, get a WRX sti, it's much more a drivers car then the rest listed here :wink:

[Zot09]

it sounds like in your financhel position reliability isn't all that nessary :wink: , but still with out sbjecting your self to a car with out a warranty, get a WRX sti, it's much more a drivers car then the rest listed here :wink:

No matter what financial position one is in, reliability should still be an issue. Even if one has money, who wants to throw it away unnecesarily? :wink:

As for the Sti, I heard that the ride can be pretty rough, so I'm not sure if it would be that great of a commuter. But I'll deffinitly go test drive one to see if that is true.

[sameerrao]

How firm are you on buying a new car. I did that for my first car and lost a lot of money on depreciation :(

If I had a $35K budget and wanted a car that was sporty and yet comfy on a long trip I would consider a used M3 - should fit the bill pretty well. A Z06 would be a great choice too - the luggage space on that car is amazing :)

[gigdy]

How firm are you on buying a new car. I did that for my first car and lost a lot of money on depreciation :(

If I had a $35K budget and wanted a car that was sporty and yet comfy on a long trip I would consider a used M3 - should fit the bill pretty well. A Z06 would be a great choice too - the luggage space on that car is amazing :)

I think he's looking for more of a luxury sport sedan.

[Zot09]

How firm are you on buying a new car. I did that for my first car and lost a lot of money on depreciation :(

If I had a $35K budget and wanted a car that was sporty and yet comfy on a long trip I would consider a used M3 - should fit the bill pretty well. A Z06 would be a great choice too - the luggage space on that car is amazing :)

I'm pretty firm on buying a new car, I want to know exactly how the car was used, and there is no way of knowing that if it's used(how it was broken in, how it was driven daily, etc).

As for the M3, are you talking about the E46? If so, that is one exception I would deffinitly make! Is it possible to find a E46 M3 for $35k?



I think he's looking for more of a luxury sport sedan.

Yep, that is exactly what I'm looking for.

But like I said a few lines up, the E46 M3 would deffinitly be an exception.

[RC45]

I'm pretty firm on buying a new car, I want to know exactly how the car was used, and there is no way of knowing that if it's used(how it was broken in, how it was driven daily, etc).


A warranty is a warranty - if at 19 some one is hell bent on "buying a new $35,000 car" it's a) either not their money, or b) money is easy to come by, as the depreciation on any new car is such that money either doesn't matter to you or you have an unending supply ;)

Why on earth would anyone buy a new car when the same car is available for 15, 20 0r 30% less for a 12 to 18 month old lease turn in that still has COMPLETE factory warranty left? (and you will take that very same hit if you buy new and always come out behind)

And the truth is you know you won't be keeping this car for the full lenght of the warranty anyway as you'll somehow "need' to buy yet another new car witj a $65,000 budget in 2 yeasr any way.

*shrug*

Easy come easy go I guess ;)

[Zot09]

I'm pretty firm on buying a new car, I want to know exactly how the car was used, and there is no way of knowing that if it's used(how it was broken in, how it was driven daily, etc).


A warranty is a warranty - if at 19 some one is hell bent on "buying a new $35,000 car" it's a) either not their money, or b) money is easy to come by, as the depreciation on any new car is such that money either doesn't matter to you or you have an unending supply ;)

Why on earth would anyone buy a new car when the same car is available for 15, 20 0r 30% less for a 12 to 18 month old lease turn in that still has COMPLETE factory warranty left? (and you will take that very same hit if you buy new and always come out behind)

And the truth is you know you won't be keeping this car for the full lenght of the warranty anyway as you'll somehow "need' to buy yet another new car witj a $65,000 budget in 2 yeasr any way.

*shrug*

Easy come easy go I guess ;)

Unfortunately RC, it isn't just me that is "hell bent" on purchasing a new car, it's also my mother. If my mom says no to a used car, then it's a no. I wouldn't mind getting a used 330i w/ ZHP, or a used M3, but the fact is I probably can't.

As for the depreciation, I totally agree that it sucks, and that it is a waste of money. But what can I do?

I wish that I could get a $65,000 car, but I can't. I'm alright with that, I'm happy enough knowing that I can even get a car. I know that I am fortunate enough to get things like this, and I do not take it for granted. And the truth is, I do know that I will be keeping this car past warranty, up until the point that I can afford to purchase my own car after graduate school. I may seem like a stuck up kid who has everything handed him, and I do have a lot of things handed to me at this moment because I am in school focusing on my studies, but I do appreciate all the things my mother does for me and I do not take it for granted(she just thinks of this as an investment, just like college, because I plan on paying her back 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx fold when I do have the money), which you do think.

I know it doesn't matter what I say RC, because there is no way for you to believe me, and I don't blame you either. Even if I were to come up with some well thought out argument or point, I know that you would just come right back with some pompous and witty comment. But that is what makes you, you.

Anyways, thanks for the input RC :wink:

[Mattk]

The IS250 is a good, safe bet to satiate your driving needs. It's probably not going to set world records, and I dislike the styling because it looks overweight, but it's received rave reviews, so I'd definitely go for the IS250.

[Zot09]

You say you want a luxury/sporty sedan, but the interior of the Lexus aint exactly smelling of luxury IMO its alot of cheap plastics there at least in thise I have been into....

I didn't find it to be half bad actually. Sure the trim was made of plastic(unlike the 3-series which has real wood or aluminum), but the leather quality used in the IS was better than the 3-series. It had a softer, and more supple touch to it. The dash was made up of the "soft plastics" used in many luxury cars today, which I liked. One of the problems I had with the IS was that clock in the center console. It looks like it was taken straight out of a 1990 Toyota Camry or out of a toy given away at McDonalds with a Happy Meal.

[dingo]

I wouldn't buy a new car, you just lose way too much money in that first year....why bother?

As for which car.....get a WRX if you want a comfortable daily driver that is also sporty. You are right in saying the STi is a harsher and less comfortable drive for long distances, but my car is great on the highway. Humming along at 3000rpm you could mistake if for a German car. :P

Plus the WRX is faster than all these other POS's (bar the Z06) mentioned so far.

[Shinigami]

Audi is reliable, otherwise they wouldn't sell so many cars in europe...
I think it's the styling that's selling Audi in Europe, not the reliability.

My boss and colleague both have Audi's, and they've both had several issues with their cars this year. My colleague still has a CEL which he can't be bothered to fix because it's the third time it would need to go in for this thing alone...

But YMMV (your mileage may vary).

[T-Bird]

I will say this the 07 TSX is very similar to the one you have now but with the navi that helps the resale value dramatically. I would personally wait considering the internal rumors of the Turbo K23 replacing the K24 for 2008.

[RC45]

Unfortunately RC, it isn't just me that is "hell bent" on purchasing a new car, it's also my mother. If my mom says no to a used car, then it's a no. I wouldn't mind getting a used 330i w/ ZHP, or a used M3, but the fact is I probably can't.

Well - its not your money perse so no worries then - right?

But the part I find the most interesting is how at 19, you not only take heed of what "mother" says, but are completly steered and directed by what she wants.

Yet other kids might be rebelling against their parents at a much younger age... and would do the opposite of what "mom" wanted ;)

I am by no means disrespting your respecting her wishes at all - in fact I am pleasently surprised by it - but am also fascinated by the fact that you even care enough to listen - it's almost worth a "social study" to help determine the reason. :) ;)

We know it can't be just the money, as other parents try "buy" their childrens obedience but fail dismally.

So in short, as you have the chance, and it's not your money try convince her you need a used sports car ;) :P

[Zot09]

Yes, the leather might be a little softer but that often mean that its also thinner and will be worn out sooner from my experience......if you add that up with plastic bits, the clock that bugs you you end up with a not so luxury like interior IMO......
but from the outside I think they look very good....its your money so your call but I`d rather put my money in an Audi.
I have been living with Audis as my daily driver for a decade, and I have abused them all pretty hard including tuning them to an extent using them on tracks and alot of hard road use and they have never let me down....

I see what you are saying, and you do bring up a great point. I agree that the Lexus still has a few bugs inside that keep it from being on par with its European competitors. I'll make sure to test drive an A4 within the next month.


I wouldn't buy a new car, you just lose way too much money in that first year....why bother?

As for which car.....get a WRX if you want a comfortable daily driver that is also sporty. You are right in saying the STi is a harsher and less comfortable drive for long distances, but my car is great on the highway. Humming along at 3000rpm you could mistake if for a German car. :P

Plus the WRX is faster than all these other POS's (bar the Z06) mentioned so far.

I do like the WRX a lot, and the STi, but it's missing a bit of the luxury I want in a car. If I were looking for something less luxurious, and more sporty, the WRX(STi) would deffinitly be on the top of my list.


Audi is reliable, otherwise they wouldn't sell so many cars in europe...
I think it's the styling that's selling Audi in Europe, not the reliability.

My boss and colleague both have Audi's, and they've both had several issues with their cars this year. My colleague still has a CEL which he can't be bothered to fix because it's the third time it would need to go in for this thing alone...

But YMMV (your mileage may vary).

These are the types of comments I've heard from individuals about Audi that scare me from wanting to get one. :?


I will say this the 07 TSX is very similar to the one you have now but with the navi that helps the resale value dramatically. I would personally wait considering the internal rumors of the Turbo K23 replacing the K24 for 2008.

So is it for sure that the replacement is now in 2008? I've heard a few different things, some people say 2008 and others say 2009. The K23 Turbo would be pretty sweet. What about SH-AWD? Any luck on the 07 keys yet T-Bird? Thanks!


Unfortunately RC, it isn't just me that is "hell bent" on purchasing a new car, it's also my mother. If my mom says no to a used car, then it's a no. I wouldn't mind getting a used 330i w/ ZHP, or a used M3, but the fact is I probably can't.

Well - its not your money perse so no worries then - right?

But the part I find the most interesting is how at 19, you not only take heed of what "mother" says, but are completly steered and directed by what she wants.

Yet other kids might be rebelling against their parents at a much younger age... and would do the opposite of what "mom" wanted ;)

I am by no means disrespting your respecting her wishes at all - in fact I am pleasently surprised by it - but am also fascinated by the fact that you even care enough to listen - it's almost worth a "social study" to help determine the reason. :) ;)

We know it can't be just the money, as other parents try "buy" their childrens obedience but fail dismally.

So in short, as you have the chance, and it's not your money try convince her you need a used sports car ;) :P

Just because it isn't my money, doesn't mean I intend to go out and spend it on whatever I want. Like I said earlier, just because you have the money doesn't mean that you have to, or should, spend it.

As for your other comment, thanks for the compliment RC? I learned pretty early on(around age 16), compared to others in my age group, that the whole rebelious teenage phase is a bunch of bull shit. Why should I give my mother more stress? I'm sure that she gets enough at work. I grew up respecting my mother, and everything that she has done for me, and that is why I do not take her for advantage. She raised me with her best intents, wanting what was best for me. I know that others in the world are not as fortunate as I in having such a caring and understanding parent, and that is why I cherish her and obey her.

[Zot09]

Audi is reliable, otherwise they wouldn't sell so many cars in europe...
I think it's the styling that's selling Audi in Europe, not the reliability.

My boss and colleague both have Audi's, and they've both had several issues with their cars this year. My colleague still has a CEL which he can't be bothered to fix because it's the third time it would need to go in for this thing alone...

But YMMV (your mileage may vary).

These are the types of comments I've heard from individuals about Audi that scare me from wanting to get one. :?



Well this comment here comes from Shinigami wich keeps byuing mercs even if they have had huge problems with their reliability for more than a decade...... :P :wink:


Im not saying Audi arre the best, but from my experience with the brand, and with myself and my familiy and friends wich almost everybody got Audis I must say they do hold up good IMO......

But at the end of the day its you who have to make the decision..... :D

Thanks for all the input Brembo. I will be back home in a little less than two weeks, so as soon I test drive the Audi and some other cars, I'll let everyone know what my final choice is.

[acmarttin]

L.E.X.U.S.

I love my Audi TT for what it is, but it hasn't stopped raping me in the ass (no, literally) since 2004. I agree with the guy who says the reliability is embarrassing. It's worse than that.

That's my 2 cents.

[novass]

I agree with buying a slightly used car in your case for a couple of reasons. For starters, depreciation, I wish I hadnt bought my car new. Also, I dont know how often you drive from school/home, but your going to put a lot of miles on the car which kinda negates the investment aspect since your 07 may end up with more miles on it then the next persons 07 when you decide to sell it.

But of course, its your mom buying the car and its nice that you are respectful of her wishes. Just test drive all the cars that interest you in your price range and see what suits you best.

As far as reliability goes, its hard to really say which is going to be more reliable or not. Not all Audi A4s will be the EXACT same, so the problems I had, someone else might not have run in too, maybe one of the robots was having a bad day when it built my car LOL Also, I have always been skeptical of surveys, etc because it could be that only those WITH problems complain and those WITHOUT, remain silent.

Good luck in your hunt!

[nthfinity]

"As far as reliability goes, its hard to really say which is going to be more reliable or not. Not all Audi A4s will be the EXACT same, so the problems I had, someone else might not have run in too, maybe one of the robots was having a bad day when it built my car LOL Also, I have always been skeptical of surveys, etc because it could be that only those WITH problems complain and those WITHOUT, remain silent. "

reliability survey's work a funny way, and are not based on itmes that have been replaced by the mfr at the dealer; although that can happen.

somebody like JD Power buys your name, and phone number from the Dealer/ auto Marque, they then proceed to call a sample of the numbers, and of course, only some remain on the line to give thier comments.. those who remain often make a point of pushing thier claim that thier choice was a poor one, and the car in question is crap. This is the nature of how this works.

I take JD Power, and Consumer reports witha very large grain of salt. the Marques themselves are developing a new system which is proving more accurate... but well... time will tell if that data is released, or kept internally....

[novass]

^ Ya, now that you mention it I seem to remember hearing about companies like JD buying your info. I can easily see someone with a poor example using that phone conversation as a way to bitch and moan to someone so I have never payed much attention to them.